Friday, March 31, 2017

Am I Good Enough? It's RUNFESSION time!

Welcome back for another addition of
Runfession Friday.  

What's in my brain this month?  Grab a snack and have a read. 

First off, it's hard to believe that it's the end of March.  Life really does go by us in a blink of an eye.  This is my favorite time of the month to blog because it's a time where I can let all my thoughts out on paper. 

Let's start, shall we?  

I RUNFESS,  I'm a little miffed at Punxsutawney Phil.  Yes, he did show us that we were in for 6 more weeks of winter.  So, it's no surprise that Minnesota is still cold.  But, the wind can go away anytime now!  I loathe wind,  and it seems that this year the wind is extra "ass-ey."   It's like Mother Nature is laughing at us.  30 mph winds just aren't enough - she's got to go and throw in 40-50 mph gusts just to see if we can stay upright while running.   And, maybe throw in a few roof shingles and down spouts while she's at it too!

I'm ready for cute spring outfits and pedicures!  Why oh WHY did that damn groundhog have to see his shadow?  If I have to do another long run in the wind and the cold I may just crack!




When I found this meme,  I about peed my pants.  Sorry for the vulgarity guys, but it really is funny.

I also must RUNFESS,  that I have a new addiction to Poshmark.  I love to find good deals.  A few weeks ago, while I was searching the internet for stores that sold my Brooks Glycerin shoes, I stumbled across this site.  Essentially, it's a huge online garage sale.  Ordinary people like me sell their clothes online.  I happened to search my shoes on the site and found two pair!  

I was able to get both pair of Glycerin 12's, NEW,  for $80 total!  These shoes usually retail for $150! It was an absolute steal!  They are perfect.





This bargain then led me to evaluate my own closet.  What did I have that was still in great condition that I wasn't wearing anymore?  I found a Ralph Lauren sweater, new with tags!  I had never worn it and knew that I never would.  Guess what?  It sold.  I made a great profit.  It was free for me to ship and now I'm hooked.  

No,  I am absolutely NOT compensated for plugging Poshmark.  It's worked out great for me - maybe it will for you too!  I just LOVE a good deal.  So, here's one for you!  If you sign up for Poshmark, use code UQEXZ and get $5 added to your account.  The account is FREE.  If you find something you like you can use that $5 to buy it! 

I also RUNFESS,  and this isn't all that new,  I often wonder.... am I good enough?




I'm nervous I won't hit my goal of running a 4 hour marathon.  3:59:59,  if I'm being technical!  

Not because I haven't put in the training,  but because it's really damn hard.  Last weeks long run of 15 miles put it a bit into perspective for me.  I had a nice pace throughout of 9:19/mile.  9:09 is my goal.  But, the daunting task of running just a bit faster for 11 more miles really freaks me out!   Can I do it?   Maybe I'm not ready for that task?

The truth is, the Grandma's Marathon course ate me up last year.   I walked the second 13.1 more than I ran.  It was 87 degrees by mile 20.  I was out 7 weeks in the middle of my training due to injury.  I was undertrained.   My mental game was weak.   I finished.  Barely.

I keep going back to what so many runners tell me.  Running your long runs slower will make you faster!  It's just so insanely hard to run slower.  I should be running 1-2 minutes slower than my marathon pace.  So, consequently, my long runs need to be 10:09-11:09 for pace.  Marcia says, you need to be able to run 9's all day!

She's in my brain constantly..... Hi Marcia!

But, seriously,  I do understand the concept,  but I've yet to do it.  I will try for my next long run.  My plan calls for 16-18 miles.  12 of which should be marathon pace, with the rest easy.   If you're also looking for advice on how to run slower to be faster,  check out Rachel's latest post!  It's great!

Thanks for reading!  I'm linking up with Marcia for her Runfession Friday!





28 comments:

  1. I hope to be able to run 9s all day, but right now, I'm just hoping to be able to finish. Your training is going great--this could be your year!

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    1. Thanks! I'm thinking I may have found the sweet spot for my exercise routine. 4 days is proving to be enough and effective.

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  2. The groundhog meme just made me LOL!! But yes, mother nature is so confused. We had heavy rain and hail overnight..yup, hail!

    Thanks for the tip about Poshmark - I'm going to check it out!

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  3. I try to do my long runs with a friend or group so chatting keeps my pace easy. Otherwise I suck at slow runs.

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  4. I feel you on the insecurity. I think we all have it. My first two marathons were a disgrace to marathoners. I'm hoping the third time's the charm for me.

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  5. I am hoping for warmer weather soon too. We are about 4 - 5 weeks behind our normal Spring temps this year. Yikes! Great find on he Poshmark thing.

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  6. Yes you are right, a 4 hour marathon would be really hard!! That distance was so hard I have yet to sign up for another one. I'm just afraid and I have been injury free for 2 years. I want to stay that way. You are doing great and keep up the good work! We all have insecurities at any distance.

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  7. I have sold a ton of stuff on Poshmark it's fabulous and you can find some great deals!

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    1. Yeah! Poshmark veteran! What's your profile?

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  8. I've never heard of Poshmark - I'll have to check it out! I love that groundhog meme - cracked me up! :)

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  9. Its so true that running slower will help you race faster! I am coaching my husband right now and Im trying to teach him that lesson.

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  10. Our groundhog said early spring and he was SO wrong! We've had storm after storm the last few weeks. I love winter but am ready for spring!

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    1. I'm not a fan of winter... but yes... spring! Please get here!

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  11. Of course you're good enough! That sub 4 is in you. You just need to let it out on race day. And you will because you'll be tapered and rested and all the hay will be in the barn. You need to do those long runs slow to build your endurance and get those slow-twitch muscles all trained up. Because guess what? At 19-20 miles when people hit the wall? The fast twitch system is finito and it's all slow twitch from there. So run slow and build it up. Just nail one day at a time. You'll get there!

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  12. I definitely think you'll do that sub 4 in Duluth...but just have faith in your training ;-) If you tap out all that speed in your training, there may not be much left in the tank on race day. I need to check out Poshmark! I think I "m on the verge of needing new shoes, and I"d love to find some of my "past" favorites that are no longer available online. Thanks for the tip!

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  13. I am one of those runners who absolutely , positively has no problem running slower. :) It's running fast that's hard! Don't forget about race day adrenaline, though. But do try to slow down those long runs, it really does make a difference.

    While I love to shop, most of my clothes at per not brand names. I used to sell them to a consignment store but them they got picky. :(

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    1. My consignment stopped taking kids clothes too! Major bummer.

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  14. I also am not a fan of Mr. Groundhog right now. I'm ready for Spring to finally make a permanent appearance.

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  15. Oh that groundhog! Too funny! I think your training sounds spot on and I love me some Marcia- so whatever she says goes! :) Of course you are good enough! Postmark is the bomb- love it! Have a great weekend! It is supposed to hit 90 degrees here- just hand to mention that!

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    1. 90?? WOW! For Spring that's almost too hot! Don't melt!

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  16. I need to look into Poshmark. That sounds awesome!! Also, you are going to rock that marathon! I just have a feeling :)

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  17. Good luck on your sub 4 marathon, that is a goal of mine too...maybe next year thought for that.

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